Engine mounting apparatus

Abstract

An engine mounting apparatus that includes thrust struts, a balance yoke, and primary and secondary mount blocks. The thrust struts are connected to the balance yoke and the primary mount block has at least one thrust load connection connectable to the balance yoke for transferring thrust loads from an engine during normal operation of the engine mounting apparatus. The engine mounting apparatus is characterized in that the secondary mount block is connected to the balance yoke via at least one thrust load catcher connection, the at least one thrust load catcher connection being arranged to be unloaded during normal operation of the engine mounting arrangement and to transfer the thrust loads from the engine in the event of a failure condition of the primary mount block.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An aircraft engine mounting apparatus comprising:
 a balance yoke; 
 thrust struts connected to the balance yoke; 
 a primary block, having at least one thrust load connection extending from and connected to the balance yoke for transferring thrust loads from an engine during normal operation of the engine mounting apparatus; and 
 a secondary mount block, distinct from the primary block, connected to the balance yoke via at least one thrust load catcher connection, the thrust load catcher connection being unloaded during normal operation of the engine mounting apparatus for transferring thrust loads from the engine in the event of a failure condition of the primary mount block. 
 
     
     
       2. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the primary and secondary mount blocks are secured together. 
     
     
       3. An engine mounting arrangement as claim in  claim 1  wherein the primary mount block comprises a single thrust load connection. 
     
     
       4. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the arrangement further comprises at least one engine attachment link, each of the primary and secondary mount blocks having means of connection to the at least one engine attachment link. 
     
     
       5. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 4  wherein at least part of the means of connection of the primary and secondary mount blocks connects to a common part of the at least one engine attachment link. 
     
     
       6. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the thrust load connection comprises a clevis arrangement having two lugs. 
     
     
       7. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the thrust load connection comprises a single lug. 
     
     
       8. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the thrust load catcher connection comprises a clevis arrangement having two lugs. 
     
     
       9. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the thrust load catcher connection comprises a single lug. 
     
     
       10. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein there are two thrust load catcher connections arranged to transfer the thrust loads from the engine, either separately or in unison during a failure condition of the primary mount block. 
     
     
       11. An engine mounting arrangement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the at least one thrust load catcher connection defines a clearance with respect to the balance yoke so that no load passes therethrough during normal operation of the engine mounting arrangement.